Program Services
Vision Screenings at County Health Clinics
Through a collaborative effort with the Florida Department of Health, Prevent Blindness Florida provides a “Healthy Vision Corner” in Hillsborough, Manatee, Orange, Sarasota and Pinellas County Health Department Clinics. Screenings for adults and children and vision education information is available to community members. Prevent Blindness Florida works with its partners to assist people who need vision care. Free eye exams and glasses are available for those who qualify.
Children's Eye Safety Education |
| Prevent Blindness offers an eye health and safety curriculum geared towards children from pre-kindergarten through second grade. Children are encouraged to practice eye safety. The education reviews eye safety methods and the need for sunglasses and special glasses for play activities such as sports or paintball. Keeping the eyes safe from sand, chemicals, scissors, etc. are taught in the 45 minute class. |
Diabetic Retinopathy Education
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| Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, serious damage to the eye can occur when abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. The key to preserving vision is early detection, and the seminars on this topic educate the diabetic community on this serious eye disease. |
| Disadvantaged Children’s Vision Screenings |
Prevent Blindness Florida offers children in transient situations vision education and screenings. Vision screenings are designed to support the work of the ophthalmologists and optometrists by referring children with potential vision problems for diagnosis and treatment. Free eye exams and glasses are available for those who qualify. |
| Healthy Eye Seminars |
PBF provides education to adults on prevention, treatment and research of eye diseases  associated with aging. These include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Healthy vision education is important in preserving vision because early detection is vital to save sight. Information is shared through the website, seminars, and brochures. |
| Pediatrician Medical Staff Vision Program |
| This community program provides resources and training to pediatric physicians’ office staffs on a unique screening tool, thus ensuring children receive appropriate vision referrals. Children also benefit greatly from learning the importance of eye safety associated with UV rays. Children should not be exposed to sunlight without eye glass protection. The need to educate children and their parents on the importance of sunglasses and safety glasses is tremendous in the community. |
The Eye Patch Club |
Do you have a child with amblyopia ("lazy eye")? The Eye Patch Club is available for families coping with a child's amblyopia treatment through Prevent Blindness America.
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| Vision Screening |
Identification is the first step to resolving vision problems.
Screenings are conducted by nationally certified Prevent Blindness Florida staff and volunteers. Children are screened for risk for amblyopia and acuity while adults are screened for risk for acuity, cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Those who do not pass the risk screening are referred to their eye care professional for a complete dilated eye examination. Prevent Blindness Florida may be able to assist individuals who qualify financially to obtain free examinations and eyeglasses. |
For more information |
To learn more about Prevent Blindness Florida's programs and services, contact us at 813/874-2020x112, (800)/817-3595x112 or contact Zakia at zsmith@preventblindnessfl.org. |
